“One of the first items I brought with me when I started at PNC was a picture of my partner and I at dinner in New York City,” says Joshua Stewart, the Diversity and Inclusion Strategies Manager of PNC. Today, his office is filled to the brim with relationship memorabilia as well as event pictures, wristbands, t-shirts, and ads that represent his role of helping others be more open in the workplace. Stewart shares his insight of being out in Pittsburgh’s corporate world and how being himself has truly paid off.
“One of the first items I brought with me when I started at PNC was a picture of my partner and I at dinner in New York City.”
What’s the impact of being out at work?
STEWART: Being out at work can be both rewarding and challenging. For me, being out at work has helped to define my career. Throughout the multiple roles I’ve held at PNC, I have been surrounded by welcoming, encouraging, and engaging managers and colleagues, who recognize the value of diversity in the workplace. My colleagues support my bringing my entire self to work, including being an “out” member of the LGBT community, and also support my sincere interests in advocating for diversity and inclusion at PNC. Through this inclusive environment, I was given opportunities to connect professional aspirations with personal passions through programs like the LGBTA Employee Business Resource Group, which eventually led to my current role.
What particular challenges have you faced because you were out in a corporate setting, and how have you overcome these?
STEWART: In my professional life, I’ve been fortunate to experience very few challenges specific to being a member of the LGBT community. In fact, there have been many more positive outcomes than negative ones. It is important to acknowledge that not every workplace interaction I’ve encountered has been as welcoming and inclusive as it could be. However, in less inclusive situations, there are always opportunities to learn and to share. I continuously remind myself to always “meet people where they are.” When we do this respectfully, we begin to change hearts and minds.
“My colleagues support my bringing my entire self to work, including being an “out” member of the LGBT community.”
What advice can you share with new graduates who might not know how to balance their work and personal life?
STEWART: Finding the balance between work and your personal life is incredibly important. Being LGBTQ or an ally of the LGBT community can be an important part of both your personal and professional life. My best advice for post-graduates, as they navigate the corporate world and seek this balance, would be to remain uncompromisingly true to themselves while acknowledging and respecting the diverse experiences of those around them. Take what you have learned about yourself during school (LGBTQ experiences, academic studies, and otherwise) and allow these discoveries to inform your career choices. Be proud of who you have become.
What benefits does being out have on the community?
STEWART: Being out in the community gives you a greater opportunity to share your story with others and to increase awareness of the opportunities and challenges the LGBTQ community faces. That said, the decision to be out is a very personal one and can be motivated by many factors. Regardless of being out, all LGBTQ individuals play an important role in strengthening the LGBTQ community.
